Ralph loved Mary devotedly, not only because she fed him well at the farm, as were his forefathers, the “Cave Men,” fed by their mates in years gone by, but he loved her first for her sweetness of disposition and lovable ways; later, for her quiet unselfishness and lack of temper over trifles—­so different from himself.

When speaking to Mary of his other fine qualities, Aunt Sarah said:  “Ralph is a manly young fellow; likeable, I’ll admit, but his hasty temper is a grave fault in my eyes.”

Mary replied, “Don’t you think men are very queer, anyway, Aunt Sarah?  I do, and none of us is perfect.”

[Illustration:  Ralph Jackson]

To Mary, Ralph’s principal charm lay in his strong, forceful way of surmounting difficulties, she having a disposition so different.  Mary had a sweet, motherly way, seldom met with in so young a girl, and this appealed to Ralph, he having never known “mother love,” and although not at all inclined to be sentimental, he always called Mary his “Little Mother Girl” because of her motherly ways.

[Illustration:  Rocky valley]

“Well,” continued Mary’s Aunt, “a quick temper is one of the most difficult faults to overcome that flesh is heir to, but Ralph, being a young man of uncommon good sense, may in time curb his temper and learn to control it, knowing that unless be does so it will handicap him in his career.  Still, a young girl will overlook many faults in the man she loves.  Mary, ere marrying, one should be sure that no love be lacking to those entering these sacred bonds.  ’Tis not for a day, but for a lifetime, to the right thinking.  Marriage, as a rule, is too lightly entered into in this Twentieth Century of easy divorces, and but few regard matrimony in its true holy relation, ordained by our Creator.  If it be founded on the tower of enduring love and not ephemeral passion, it is unassailable, lasting in faith and honor until death breaks the sacred union and annuls the vows pledged at God’s holy altar.”

“Well,” replied Mary, as her Aunt paused to take breath, “I am sure of my love for Ralph.”

“God grant you may both be happy,” responded her Aunt.

“Mary, did you ever hear this Persian proverb?  You will understand why I have so much to say after hearing it.”

    “’Says a proverb of Persia provoking mirth;
      When this world was created by order divine. 
    Ten measures of talk were put down on the earth,
      And the woman took nine.’”

Speaking to Mary of life on the farm one day, Ralph laughingly said:  “I am taught something new every day.  Yesterday your Uncle told me it was ‘time to plant corn when oak leaves were large as squirrels’ ears.’” Ralph worked like a Trojan.  In a short time both his hands and face took on a butternut hue.  He became strong and robust.  Mary called him her “Cave Man,” and it taxed the combined efforts of Aunt Sarah and Mary to provide food to satisfy the ravenous appetite Mary’s “Cave Man” developed.  And often, after a busy day, tired but happy, Mary fell asleep at night to the whispering of the leaves of the Carolina poplar outside her bedroom window.